Saratoga Springs Spouters EarthCache
Naturegirlfromny: This earthcache has had a good run, but I think it is too easy as published and there are too many arm chair cachers logging it. I may rework it if someone else doesn't do so first.
Saratoga Springs Spouters
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This earthcache is next to a stream with mineral springs emptying into them. There are also spring spouters and mineral deposits. The sign where you can find some of the answers is to the path on the left going up hill to a gazebo. Answers need to be submitted in order to log cache. If not, your log may be deleted.
During the fourteenth century the Iroquois Indians were initially attracted to the Saratoga area for its hunting. What they didn’t know was the high content of salt in the waters attracted the animals to this site. When the Indians discovered the springs they guarded them with secrecy. They believed the springs had special healing powers and were a gift from the Great Spirit. Eventually, the Indians introduced the early settlers to the springs as a cure for ailments. By the mid 1800’s bathing in the mineral waters had become a popular health treatment with several bathhouses in operation in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga had become the seasonal “Watering Hole” for the rich and famous, and was referred to as “The Queen of Spas.” By 1880, private industry also discovered a use for the springs. Over 200 mineral wells were in operation in the area, most used for the extraction of carbon dioxide gas. This process, inevitably, became abused by 1908 and New York State stepped in and passed anti-pumping legislation, followed by the formation of a state reservation to protect the mineral waters. In 1930, construction of the “New Spa” was initiated. By 1935, the complex of buildings and landscape malls, modeled by the spas of Europe, were completed as they are seen today. This new facility brought in individuals seeking medical treatment for heart and internal afflictions, followed by the wealthy and the fashionable who came for preventative therapy, social amenities and an over all atmosphere of health, well-being and social stature. The Bottling Plant was the last building constructed for the Spa complex. From 1935-1970, three types of mineral waters were bottled from the Geyser, Hathorn and Coesa springs. A fresh, non-carbonated water was also bottled under the name “State Seal.” The mineral waters all originate in a layer of dolomatic limestone that underlies the shale and glacial drift of the sea. There is a sign near the beginning of the trail heading up towards the main mound, you can find most of your answers there. Island Spouter Questions: Please send your answers to the owner via e-mail. Do not post them in your log. 1. What rock types does the waters flow through? 2. What type of gas is in the water? 3. What are the spout mounds composed of? 4. What rate does it grow at? 5. Go to the second spout mound north of IP. N 43deg 03.232- W 073deg 48.400 and take elevation measurements from bottom and top of mound. What is the estimated height of mound? Do not climb the mound, stairs are available to the north. Bonus question: What happens to any object that falls into the mineral saturated water?
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures